Comp trailer AC question

Cayman1 · 11-26-2012, 04:13 PM

Getting ready to order my trailer and was wondering what brand and model of rooftop ac unit everyone has, any problems with them, and suggestions as to the brand to spec. What they have priced is Dometic Durotherm. I have read some pretty bad reviews on this unit, but it doesn't look like there are many choices.
Don't need really big, I think 13,500 btu is spec'd. I plan on having ceiling and walls insulated.
All suggestions and thoughts are appreciated.

Nordy · 11-26-2012, 04:39 PM

I have a Coleman Mach 15,000 BTU in my 7x15 v-nose trailer... usually it keeps it really cold... Last summer I cooked a contest where is was 108-112 degrees outside... inside the insulated trailer was about 82 degrees... not too bad

Down side of the 15000 BTU is technically a Honda eu3000 generator isn't rated to be able to start it. (but I know a bunch of people who have never had a problem) But a Honda eu3000 genny is rated to start a 13500 BTU unit... I don't have any problems running my 15000BTU on a yamaha 3000iesb with boost....

Cayman1 · 11-26-2012, 06:12 PM

Hadn't thought about the generator issue. The generator I take is a 2300 watt JD. I 'll have to check that issue.
I looked at Coleman Mach III. Supposedly less draw, 11.5 amp instead of 15.
Thanks.

TravelingJ · 11-26-2012, 06:30 PM

I have 2 Coleman Mach's on my RV. Both are 15k units, and I can run either of them on my Honda EU300is generator. Certainly I can't run both, but I can run one and a few other items without the generator maxing out. I don't know how much else you would need to run in your competition trailer. I know I can't run my fridge and AC at the same time, I have to put the fridge on propane power instead of generator juice. Your biggest issue with a generator and an AC, is the startup takes a lot more amps than just running it.

That said, I did a lot of research before I bought the 2nd AC for our coach, and the people that made the rig even said that you can't go wrong with Coleman or Dometic. The negative reviews I ran into seemed to be more for the low profile units vs the full-size setups.

NRA4Life · 11-27-2012, 07:10 AM

I installed a Dometic Brisk Air 13.5 on my 8.5ftx20ft (8.5x12 enclosed area) this past spring. It ran fine all summer and kept my uninsulated comp trailer area nice and cool. I wired it so that I run an extension cord directly to it's power plug and it runs off of the 20A power normally provided by the comp...it also runs off of my Generac GP3250 without problem.

Cayman1 · 11-27-2012, 08:40 AM

Thanks for help. Think I will go with Coleman Mach III Power Saver. Draws a couple amps less.

11-26-2012, 04:13 PM	#1
Cayman1 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-20-12 Location: Springfield, MO	Comp trailer AC question Getting ready to order my trailer and was wondering what brand and model of rooftop ac unit everyone has, any problems with them, and suggestions as to the brand to spec. What they have priced is Dometic Durotherm. I have read some pretty bad reviews on this unit, but it doesn't look like there are many choices. Don't need really big, I think 13,500 btu is spec'd. I plan on having ceiling and walls insulated. All suggestions and thoughts are appreciated. __________________ Smooth Smoke BBQ Team, KCBS CBJ, porch mounted Jambo.

11-26-2012, 06:12 PM	#3
Cayman1 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-20-12 Location: Springfield, MO	Hadn't thought about the generator issue. The generator I take is a 2300 watt JD. I 'll have to check that issue. I looked at Coleman Mach III. Supposedly less draw, 11.5 amp instead of 15. Thanks. __________________ Smooth Smoke BBQ Team, KCBS CBJ, porch mounted Jambo.

11-27-2012, 07:10 AM	#5
NRA4Life is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-07-09 Location: Newark, OH	I installed a Dometic Brisk Air 13.5 on my 8.5ftx20ft (8.5x12 enclosed area) this past spring. It ran fine all summer and kept my uninsulated comp trailer area nice and cool. I wired it so that I run an extension cord directly to it's power plug and it runs off of the 20A power normally provided by the comp...it also runs off of my Generac GP3250 without problem. __________________ - [B]Kevin[/B] Team: [B]Smitty's Real Pit BBQ[/B] KCBS CBJ [B]Superior SS-3[/B] - Courtesy of Gainesville Jaycees and Superior Smokers Custom Built Reverse Flow Stickburner [B]Weber[/B] 22.5" WSM [B]Weber[/B] 26.75" OTG [B]Weber[/B] Blue 2000 Stainless Performer [B]Weber[/B] Red 1998 Stainless Performer

11-27-2012, 08:40 AM	#6
Cayman1 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-20-12 Location: Springfield, MO	Thanks for help. Think I will go with Coleman Mach III Power Saver. Draws a couple amps less. __________________ Smooth Smoke BBQ Team, KCBS CBJ, porch mounted Jambo.

11-26-2012, 04:39 PM	#2
Nordy On the road to being a farker Join Date: 01-16-11 Location: Ponca City, OK	I have a Coleman Mach 15,000 BTU in my 7x15 v-nose trailer... usually it keeps it really cold... Last summer I cooked a contest where is was 108-112 degrees outside... inside the insulated trailer was about 82 degrees... not too bad Down side of the 15000 BTU is technically a Honda eu3000 generator isn't rated to be able to start it. (but I know a bunch of people who have never had a problem) But a Honda eu3000 genny is rated to start a 13500 BTU unit... I don't have any problems running my 15000BTU on a yamaha 3000iesb with boost....

11-26-2012, 06:30 PM	#4
TravelingJ is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 09-07-12 Location: Independence, MO Name/Nickname : Justin	I have 2 Coleman Mach's on my RV. Both are 15k units, and I can run either of them on my Honda EU300is generator. Certainly I can't run both, but I can run one and a few other items without the generator maxing out. I don't know how much else you would need to run in your competition trailer. I know I can't run my fridge and AC at the same time, I have to put the fridge on propane power instead of generator juice. Your biggest issue with a generator and an AC, is the startup takes a lot more amps than just running it. That said, I did a lot of research before I bought the 2nd AC for our coach, and the people that made the rig even said that you can't go wrong with Coleman or Dometic. The negative reviews I ran into seemed to be more for the low profile units vs the full-size setups.